Device for replacing missing teeth in human dentition

Abstract

The device which is adapted to be secured between two existing teeth is suitable for supporting an artificial denture to replace an anterior tooth or a posterior tooth. The device is comprised of a backing member having a pair of parallel extendable arms slidably disposed in grooves in said backing member on opposite sides of a pinion rotatably mounted in said backing member in simultaneous meshing engagement with teeth on both arms for simultaneously extending both arms in opposite directions upon rotation of said pinion in one direction. The extended end of each arm is adapted to be disposed in a precut groove in an existing tooth to support the device between two existing teeth. Suitable projections are provided on the surface of the backing member for cooperation with complimentary grooves in the artificial facing. The facing is secured to the backing and the extended arms are secured in the grooves of adjacent teeth by a suitable cement or filling material.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An artificial denture device comprising a backing member having a flat surface adapted to be disposed between two spaced apart existing teeth, groove means disposed in said backing member and opening outwardly in opposite directions on opposite sides of said backing member, a pair of arms slidably mounted in said groove means in spaced parallel relation to each other and said flat surface, operating means comprised of a screw member threaded into said backing member for rotation about an axis perpendicular to said flat surface between said arms, engaging means on said arms and said operating means for moving said arms in opposite directions upon rotation of said operating means for engaging the outer ends of said arms in opposed grooves in spaced apart existing teeth and facing means secured to said flat surface of said backing member to cover said operating means.